In the Hanneton

In the Hanneton, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) in 1898, is a characteristic example of the artist’s intimate and observational printmaking practice during the fin-de-siècle period. This work is classified as a print, executed as a lithograph in black on ivory wove paper. Lautrec, a central figure in chronicling the dynamic social and bohemian life of Montmartre in Paris, utilized lithography not only for large, commercial posters but also for subtle, evocative studies of character and interior life.

Unlike the saturated colors found in his famous advertisements for the Moulin Rouge, this piece relies solely on the stark contrasts achieved in black ink. Toulouse-Lautrec mastered the technical possibilities of the medium, utilizing dense blacks and economical, expressive lines to capture form and psychological mood. The choice of ivory wove paper provides a warm, atmospheric quality to the composition, subtly enhancing the drama achieved through light and shadow.

Reflecting the artistic currents of France at the close of the 19th century, this print demonstrates the artist's dedication to honest, unsentimental observation. Lautrec's skill transcended mere illustration, cementing his legacy through powerful graphic documentation. Today, this significant late-career lithograph is held in the extensive prints collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a key example of the lasting influence of Toulouse-Lautrec on modern graphic art.